This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
All drivers were beginners
In her May 15 letter, Danielle Huffman proposed that the age of 16 is too young to drive, and that teens should not begin driving until 18 or 19. She cites a study that reports “the crash rate per mile … is twice as high for 16-year-olds than it is for 18- and 19-year-olds.”
Huffman then claims that “Driving takes diligence, concentration, skill and maturity. These skills do not come overnight, they take time to develop.”
With all due respect to Huffman, where does she propose we teens develop “diligence, concentration, skill and maturity”? The reason that 18-year-olds have fewer crashes is that they have been driving and thus possess those oh-so-desirable traits Huffman refers to.
If teens didn’t start driving until 18, their skill level would be equal to those who start at 16. The only way for teens to gain experience is through practice and more practice.
It’s the age-old dilemma: My mother won’t let me drive until I’m more experienced. But how can I get more experience when she won’t let me drive?
Chris Reichert
Spokane